Deriving from an ancient Anglo-Saxon personal name and an old English name 'waed', meaning a ford, Biggleswade sadly has no connection with the great, bygone aviation icon, Biggles, who never waded across the river Ivel upon which the town sits.
It was however the home of the once-renowned racing cyclist, Daniel Albone. In the 1880's Albone established the long-forgotten Ivel Cycle Works where he invented his own cycles and indeed the first Ivel Agricultural Tractor - the ancestor of all modern tractors.
Your launch site is within the grounds of the famous Shuttleworth Mansion, rebuilt in 1876 by the Shuttleworth family. The grounds at Old Warden Park are the home of the unique 19th century ornamental Swiss Garden, proclaimed as one of the top ten gardens in the country.
Before or after your flight you might want to take a look around the fascinating Shuttleworth Collection of aircraft, cars, motorcycles and carriages, housed in hangars in the traditional setting of a 1930s grass aerodrome.
Depending on wind direction you might find yourself flying over Woburn Abbey or historic villages such as Sutton, Sandy and Potten.
Special Offer for Virgin Balloon Flights Passengers
Passengers can enjoy a 10% discount on accommodation, lunch or afternoon tea at Shuttleworth Mansion House with this voucher, simply fill in the details and present to Mansion House staff.directionsShuttleworth (Old Warden) Park
Old Warden
Biggleswade
Bedfordshire
SG18 9EA
Shuttleworth Park Country House is part of Old Warden Aerodrome and Museum which is sign posted from the A1(T) by Biggleswade.
Access is through the main Old Warden entrance to the west of the site only. Please park in the Tavern car park.
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